Photography competition

The annual Student Photography Competition showcases and awards the creative talent of our diverse student community. Hosted by Edinburgh Global, the competition celebrates our thriving communities, our incredible city and green spaces, and the experiences that shape your student journey.

Panoramic view of Edinburgh

2026/27 Competition – My Edinburgh Story

My Edinburgh Story is a photo-story competition inviting all students to share the experiences, moments and lasting memories that make up life at the University of Edinburgh. Students can submit one photograph along with a short story in the caption that captures what Edinburgh means to them. 

Whether it’s a moment of connection, a personal challenge or achievement, an experience that sparked inspiration, or a memory that offers a new perspective, you’re invited to share the story behind the picture.

Explore the themes of Belonging, Growth and Reflection to inspire your entry and share your unique Edinburgh story with our community.

The competition is open from 13 November 2026 to 25 January 2027, and all University of Edinburgh students can enter.

Competition themes

Entrant must choose one of the category themes for their photo and story:

  1. Belonging: participation, contribution, connection, community.
  2. Growth: challenge, achievement, development, inspiration.
  3. Reflection: contemplation, well-being, memories, perspective.

Entrants can only submit one image in the competition, so choose the category that best fits your photo and story.

Where do you feel most at home in Edinburgh? Tell the story of the people, places and experiences that give you a sense of connection and community. 

This could be a favourite hangout, time spent with friends, a sports team or society, or an outdoor space where you feel most yourself. 

You could also explore how you contribute to or learn from communities in Edinburgh and beyond, through volunteering, cultural events or international experiences that broaden your perspective. 

Share a moment that shows what belonging means to you and how you connect with the world around you.


What experiences have shaped the person you are becoming? Capture a moment of achievement, a challenge you’ve overcome, or an experience that has helped you learn something new about yourself. 

This could be an academic milestone, a creative project, a new skill, or a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone. 

Your photo and caption might celebrate your progress, reveal an unexpected lesson or show how an experience has changed your perspective. 

Tell the story of a moment that has inspired you, challenged you or helped you grow.


Where do you find space to pause, recharge and reflect? Capture the moments, places or activities that help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. 

This could be a peaceful corner of campus, a favourite walking route, a natural landscape, a quiet retreat or a moment of mindfulness.

Think about the places and experiences that support your well-being, bring you perspective or hold special memories. 

Share a glimpse of what helps you find balance amid student life, and the moments that remind you what matters most.


Winners and prizes

The prizes are:

  • 1st prize – £150 voucher
  • Category winner: Belonging – £100 voucher
  • Category winner: Growth – £100 voucher
  • Category winner: Reflection – £100 voucher

The winners will be chosen by independent judges.

How to enter

The competition will open on 13 November 2026.

Entries must be submitted online through the entry portal before 25 January 2027. Late entries will not be accepted.

To enter, you need to submit a photo you’ve taken and write a caption for it. They should tell a story of your life in Edinburgh. Consider the theme categories and select one to enter. One entry per person.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Statement

  • Share the story behind the photo in relation to the themes.
  • Write 60 to 100 words to tell a personal story that has shaped your experience in Edinburgh.

  • Put yourself in the picture - a self-portrait can be a powerful way to share your Edinburgh story and show what makes it uniquely yours.
  • Bring others into the frame - a group photo can capture the friendships, connections and shared experiences that make your Edinburgh story special.
  • Look at the amazing city around you - capture the places, objects and everyday details that hold meaning for you and tell a part of your Edinburgh story.

More information

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